Equipment for Off-Camera Lighting

[krob77]

inkista hit the nail on the head.

I have a friend that I shoot with on occasion that uses radio poppers for eTTL (only uses them at wedding receptions) other than that he prefers cybersync's.

[Michel.Paez]

My new CTR-301P triggers arrived in the mail today.

I'll be testing them out when I get home later.


(Manufacturer photo)

So far, the packaging and build quality seems to be far better than the Cactus V2's I picked up a year ago.

And for around $60CDN, it's even cheaper than the V2's.

If what I've read in online reviews is correct, then this set of trigger/receivers should work with little to NO misfires.

No eTTL, but I've never been fond of shooting metered lighting...

[inkista]

Cool. Do they also work as remote shutter triggers? 'cause that's one trick I'm pretty sure the V4s can't do.

[Michel.Paez]

Originally Posted by inkista

Cool. Do they also work as remote shutter triggers? 'cause that's one trick I'm pretty sure the V4s can't do.

No, they can't do remote shutter. BUT they *can* remote trigger my studio strobes AND they have optical sensors when used line-of-sight. My V2's couldn't do that PLUS the V2's cost about 30% more.

[FormElement]

I have to say, that after a lot of research, I just sprung for PW Plus II's. The biggest reason is that they will be compatible with their eTTL system when they get the bugs sorted out, and most importantly, I can remote trigger the camera too. (think creative lighting!)

Still, IMO, PW's are a bit of a ripoff, because for such a plasticky thing, they're very, very expensive. They do however seem to be absolutely reliable, and more ubiquitous. I am definitely not sorry, I paid for the best that I could find for my needs, and I think it will last me quite a while...

My kit is very similar to yours BTW. So ultimately I bought a strobist one light kit to go with my 430EXII and a convertible umbrella etc. I can now add lights and accessories pretty easily.

My advice and practice is to pay for the best and cry once. I almost always regret compromising on equipment. (my Canon 70-300 III is one regret, I should have jus picked up a 70-200 f/4L!)

Oh, and yes, I happily ditched eTTL. It tells way too many lies. I think I want it back though if for nothing else than to set slave ratios from the camera and to get High Speed Sync back on my remote(s). I really hope PW fixes their Mini tt1/tt5 products!

[inkista]

Yeah, if you want to hang onto high-speed synch, the ttl PWs and RadioPopper PXs are (right now) the only way to go. But I do know that Cybersyncs can be used as shutter remotes with an additional cable, just like PWs. I've heard of hacks to turn the V2/V4s into shutter releases, but I'm not good with the soldering.

The Yong Nuo RF-602 actually comes with the shutter cable, and given that I can get one transmitter and two receivers for ~$60, which is less than most third-party radio shutter remotes, I'm tempted. Canon, for some insane reason, charges $350 for theirs. :eyeroll:

Damn you, Canon for making my RC-1 worthless when I "upgraded" to a 50D! [grump.]

[natek313]

Haha. Sorry to hear about your RC-1, inkista.

After doing my research, I decided to go with a CyberSync set. I read too many horror stories about the Cactus triggers, and I really can't afford to drop the money on PocketWizards. It seems like CyberSyncs are a nice, reliable compromise. I don't mind being "restricted" to manual flash only. I'm not going to go nuts with my lighting setup, as I am only an amateur photographer not looking to go professional.

I think if I were to do much more, I'd purchase a Canon 580EX II and have two umbrellas and a reflector. But, there's no sense worrying about that now. I can't afford to do it. Maybe sometime in the future.

[inkista]

Yup. The Cybersyncs seem like the best value for the money. Yong Nuo doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to copy consistency and build quality. I waver, but since I don't actually need flash radio triggers, I can wait. As for the RC-1, I live in hope that it will again become useful, seeing as how Canon put the ability to use it into the 5DMkII and 7D. I just really wish they'd jammed it into the 50D, too.

[prince]

Originally Posted by inkista

Cool. Do they also work as remote shutter triggers? 'cause that's one trick I'm pretty sure the V4s can't do.

CTR-301P can't be used as remote shutter triggers, but they have RF-602 which can be used as remote shutter triggers. However, they can only be used with certain models..

I just ordered my SB-600 and CTR-301P set.. excited to try out and learn some lighting techniques.

Good luck!!